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Aherial Polite appointed as Dean of Augusta Technical College's School of Arts and Sciences

by Kimberly Holden

Posted on Jan 22, 2024 at 10:00 AM

For Immediate Release

Augusta Technical College seal in Heritage Green composed of the words Augusta Technical College circling the top 3/4s of a circular outline. The word Georgia is centered at the bottom outside the circular outline, separated from the words Augusta and College by three stylized laurel leaves. The inner part of the circular outline is divided into three sections by lines forming a capitalzed Y. The upper section includes the image of an open book as seen from the bottom edge with the year 1961 above it framed by two small diamonds. The bottom left section contains an outline of a gear with the hollow center of the gear opening to the center of the Y. The bottom right section contains the outline of a caduceus.

 

Media Contact | Original Press Release | AugustaCEO Article

Kimberly Holden
Executive Director, Marketing & Public Relations
706.771.4819
kimberly.holden@augustatech.edu

 

 

Aherial Polite appointed as Dean of Augusta Technical College's
School of Arts and Sciences

Augusta, GA - January 22, 2024

Dean Aherial Polite smiles at the camera wearing a colorful dress shirt and a black dress jacket with a green augusta tech pin.Augusta Technical College has appointed Aherial Polite as Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.

Ms. Polite earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Master of Arts in Teaching, both from the University of South Carolina. Currently, Aherial is pursuing her Doctor of Education in Leadership from Valdosta State University.

Ms. Polite previously served as the department chair of Chemistry, Physics, and Nuclear Technology at Aiken Technical College. She was also a chemistry instructor, the advisor for the Radiation Protection program, and coordinator of the Nuclear Fundamentals Apprenticeship.

Before joining higher education, Aherial taught Chemistry and Physics at the high school level.

"I am thrilled to embark on this journey as the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Augusta Technical College. This appointment resonates with my commitment to guiding students on their educational and professional pursuits. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to promote the growth and success of our academic community and the CSRA. By joining ATC's leadership team, I can contribute to preparing students to not only meet the challenges of today but also lead the innovations of tomorrow," stated Ms. Polite.

Polite joined Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness and the Savannah River Section of the American Nuclear Society, serving as a board member for both organizations. She also serves on the South Carolina Governor's Award Selection Committee. Additionally, she's a member of the Kappa Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., American Chemical Society, NAACP, South Carolina Technical Education Association (SCTEA), and National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers. Most notably, Aherial was celebrated with her team as winners of the A. Wade Martin Award, the highest award in the SC Technical Education System, for her work with the Nuclear Fundamentals apprenticeship. She's also been recognized as a NISOD Excellence Award recipient in 2023, Aiken Technical College's Faculty Member of the Year in 2022, and as SCTEA's Educator of The Year for 2020-2021.

"Ms. Polite's proven track record as an innovative instructor and administrator, as well as her commitment to workforce development and student success align with the strategic vision of the College. I am confident that she will provide outstanding leadership to the students and faculty in the School of Arts & Sciences," stated College Provost Dr. Melissa Frank-Alston.

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About Augusta Technical College

Augusta Technical College, a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, is a public postsecondary institution that provides academic and technical education, customized business and industry training, continuing education, student support, economic development, and adult education services to its service area (Burke, Columbia, Lincoln, McDuffie, and Richmond Counties) at a competitive financial value. Associate of Science Degrees, Associate of Applied Science Degrees, diplomas, and technical certificates of credit are provided through traditional and distance delivery methods. For more information, visit augustatech.edu.

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